Research Partnership Benefits At-Risk Students

As a research partner of the Hamilton Fish Institute, the University of Oregon Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior (IVDB) developed an intervention model that was supported with funding from the Institute. With the assistance of IVDB, several schools in Lane County, Oregon built programs around the "Skills for Success" model. IVDB began developing the model with funding from the Institute and continued implementation and evaluation activities with funding from a Safe Schools / Health Students (SS/HS) grant for Lane County.

The model includes two key elements: (1) a screening method to identify students who at risk of dropping out of school and (2) an alternative education classroom. In the alternative setting, the students focus on correcting poor attitudes and habits that cause their disruptive behavior. Teachers also focus on specific academic problems so that students may return to their regular classrooms.

According to Pamela Yeaton, an evaluation specialist for the IVDB, grades have improved and office disciplinary referrals have declined due to the intervention.

For the complete news story, please see http://www.registerguard.com/news/2005/10/24/b1.cr.peopleallender.1024.p1.php?section=cityregion.

For additional information, please contact Jeffrey R. Sprague, Ph.D., Co-Director, Institute on Violence and Destructive Behavior, 1265 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1265, 541-346-3591, mailto:Jsprague@aol.com.

Page Updated: October 31, 2005